Future-Proofing Business Networks
Understanding Why Companies Are Upgrading to Cat6A Cabling:
As technology continues to evolve, the demands placed on business networks are steadily increasing. Many organizations are adopting cloud-based platforms, expanding their security systems, and relying more heavily on wireless connectivity. All of this depends on one foundational element that often goes unnoticed: structured cabling.
Across Indiana and Georgia, businesses are taking a closer look at their existing infrastructure and asking whether it is still capable of supporting the way they work today, as well as the technology they plan to use in the future.
How Network Requirements Have Changed
Business Networks Have Evolved
Business networks are no longer designed only to provide basic internet access. Today, they support a wide range of systems that operate continuously and are critical to daily operations. As technology becomes more integrated into the workplace, network infrastructure must be able to handle greater demands without sacrificing reliability.
More Systems Depend on the Network
Modern businesses rely on wireless connectivity, cloud platforms, video conferencing, security systems, access control, and smart building technology. Each of these systems adds traffic and power requirements to the network, increasing the need for stable connections that perform consistently across the entire facility.
Cabling Plays a Bigger Role Than Ever
As network demands grow, the cabling behind the scenes becomes increasingly important. Properly designed cabling supports higher speeds, reliable power delivery, and long-term flexibility. It also helps prevent performance issues as businesses expand or adopt new technology.
The Role of Structured Cabling
Structured cabling serves as the physical backbone of a network. While switches, access points, and software tend to receive more attention, cabling determines how reliably data and power move throughout a facility.
A well-designed cabling system helps maintain consistent performance, reduces interference, and allows for easier troubleshooting and future expansion. When cabling is outdated or poorly installed, performance issues often appear even when network equipment is upgraded.
Wireless networks rely heavily on the wired infrastructure behind them. Even the most advanced access points require reliable cabling to deliver the performance they are designed for.
Proper cabling supports consistent data flow, stable power delivery, and reliable connections across the network. Without it, wireless performance can suffer, regardless of how new the equipment may be.
What Is Cat6A and Why It Is Being Adopted?
Cat6A, short for Category 6 Augmented, is designed to support higher speeds and increased power delivery compared to earlier cabling standards.
It supports data speeds of up to 10 gigabits per second across the full standard distance, making it well suited for modern commercial environments. Cat6A also performs better when delivering power to devices such as wireless access points, security cameras, and other systems that rely on Power over Ethernet.
Another advantage of Cat6A is its improved resistance to interference. This is especially important in environments where large numbers of cables are installed close together.
Because Cat6A exceeds many current performance requirements, it allows organizations to grow and adapt without needing to replace cabling as technology evolves.
What We Are Seeing Across the U.S. and in the Areas We Serve
Across the United States, businesses are taking a closer look at their network infrastructure as technology continues to advance. Facility expansions, renovations, new construction, and routine technology refresh cycles are often prompting organizations to evaluate whether their existing cabling is still meeting their needs.
In many cases, increased access to fiber-based internet services and higher available bandwidth has brought new attention to internal network limitations. When external connectivity improves, weaknesses inside the building become easier to notice.
In the locations we serve, we are seeing many organizations choose to address cabling as part of long-term planning rather than waiting for performance issues to surface. By evaluating and upgrading infrastructure proactively, businesses are better positioned to support growth, improve reliability, and adapt as technology continues to change.
Thinking Ahead
Planning for the Future
Many organizations design their network infrastructure around immediate needs, without fully considering how technology and operations will evolve. As bandwidth demands increase, devices require more power, and spaces change over time, older cabling systems can quickly become limiting.
Planning ahead allows businesses to support growth, avoid unnecessary rework, and reduce disruptions as new technology is introduced.
The Importance of Proper Installation
Even high-quality cabling will not perform as intended without proper installation. Correct routing, clean terminations, and industry-standard testing all play a role in long-term reliability.
Well-installed cabling also makes future maintenance and expansion easier, helping organizations avoid downtime and troubleshoot issues more efficiently as their network grows.
A Practical Next Step
Understanding the condition and capabilities of existing cabling is often the first step toward future planning. A structured cabling assessment can help identify limitations, opportunities for improvement, and areas that may need attention.
Wired Communications works with businesses in the areas we serve to design and install cabling systems that support current operations while preparing for future needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your building is still using Cat5e or early Cat6 cabling, it may not support today’s bandwidth and power requirements. Signs that an upgrade may be needed include slow or inconsistent network performance, issues after upgrading Wi-Fi or security systems, or plans to expand your space or add more connected devices.
Not every environment requires Cat6A immediately, but many businesses choose it for long-term flexibility. Cat6A is often recommended for new construction, major renovations, high-density offices, and facilities that rely heavily on wireless access points, security systems, or Power over Ethernet devices.
Cabling plays an important role in wireless performance. Access points rely on wired connections for data and power. If the cabling cannot support the speed or power required, wireless performance may be limited even with newer equipment.
In many cases, yes. A properly planned cabling project can be completed in phases or during off-hours to minimize disruption. This is typically discussed during the planning and assessment process.
When properly installed and maintained, structured cabling can last well over a decade. Choosing higher-performance cabling such as Cat6A helps extend that lifespan and reduces the need for early replacement as technology changes.
Fiber delivers high-speed connectivity to your building, but internal cabling distributes that connection throughout the space. If internal cabling is outdated, it can limit the benefits of a fiber connection.
Maximize your network performance with Wired's expertise in CAT cabling solutions. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can enhance your network infrastructure.